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MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Busted up trash and recycle bins can be found down almost every alley in Winnipeg. Winnipeggers who need their garbage and/or recycling carts replaced are facing a lengthy wait of up to 25 business days, or about five weeks. Michael Gordichuk said 2,100 residences are now in that boat, a backlog that the city blames on the advancing age of the carts, a few recent cargo van failures and some staff absences over the Christmas holidays. Gordichuk said the surge in replacement requests may also be linked to a change in city policy that took effect last spring, when the city began replacing carts damaged by residents themselves without a fee (previously the homeowner had to pay when they were deemed at fault). Reporter: Joyanne Pursaga 260120 - Tuesday, January 20, 2026.